The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-06-05
THURMAN FOR GOVERNOR.
THAT IS NOW THE CRY OF OHIO
DEMOCRATS.
Thurman on an Old Fashioned,
square, Out-and Ont Demo-
cratic Platform.

man G. l.. Converse in relation to the
Democratic nomination for the Gov
ernorship of that State, has been the
subject Of frequent discussion in
some Of the Republican papers.
What that attitude really is can be
best described by Mr.. Converse
himself. In az interview with the
Herald correspondent he said: THE
mention of Senator Thurman as the
Democratic candidate for Governor
of Ohio and my supposed connection
with the matter has given several
Republican papers great uneasiness.
Their conduct shows very plainly
that his nomination is the very thing
which ought to be accomplished"
But are you not candidate for
that distinguished honor2" the sorre-
spondent inquired.
No, | am not candidate and do
not desire the nomination. am for
Allen G. Thurman, first, last and all
the time. | do not put my support
on grounds of personal friendship,
but on grounds far higher aud more
important than any personal consld-
erations could possibly be. His can
didacy would unite the Democracy
Of this State and bring to the polls
an element and working force which
has not been there for years. We
have been in the habit of placing
recent converts to the Democratic
faith in the lead, but | am in favor
of trying this year an original Demo-
crat for leader. Senator Thurman
as leader would not only unite the
Democratic party, without which
we cannot hope for success, but
would divide the Republican party.
IF Gov. Foraker should be the
Republican candidate" Mr.. Con-
verse continued, Senator Sherman's
friends will not be deeply anxious
for his success, because his marked
success over such an opponent would
put him in the front for 1888 and de-
prive Senator Sherman of his last
chance in life for the Presidency.
That fact being added to Gov. Fora
ker's other weaknesses the contest
would certainly end in his over
whelming defeat. If Thurman is
named as our leader Sher.nan's
friends, being in majority, may con-
clude that in view of 1888 Sherman
should accept the nomination aud
lead his own cohorts in this his own
last battle. In that event the grand
contest would be upon the ancient
principles which divided and still
divide the two great parties of the
country, the discussion of which and
the decision OF 100000 of people
thereon would attract the attention
of the whole Union. The discussion
OF those great principles, the con-
testants with their world wide repu-
tation and the verdict of 5000, 900
of people would present the grandest
spectacle in the political world. For
aker's friends would most likely sulk
in their tents, but whether they did
or not the result would be a victory
for the democratic principle in gov
ernment The perfect union, en-
thusiasm and the increased vote in
our own party would succeed it"
"What about Humans health,
aud has he not already declined in
letter to Mr.. McFedden2" was the
next inquiry.
HE has muscular rheumatism
and has an amanuensis to do his
writing" replied Mr.. Converse.
But what ofthat? That physical
trouble does not affect his faculties,
and four ffths Of the public business
aud correspondence is now done by
dictation to a stenographer. His
condition would not interfere with
the discharge of his duties either as
a candidate or as Governor. A few
speeches would be all that would be
required during the canvass. The
Democratic press aud the 800 Demo
cratic stumpers in Ohio would at
tend to the balance. Of course, the
Senator does not desire the nomina-
ton. Everybody knows that. He
could not, therefore, say in advance
that he would accept. Neither the
candidacy nor the office could add
luster to his name, and whatever
might be the result it cannot dimin-
ish that luster one particle. When
ever the position is offered him
and he is requested to take the lead
in such a manner as to signify that it
is the sincere and earnest desire of
the Democracy of Ohio, at whose
hands he has received so many dis
tinguished honors through a long
series Of years, he cannot and will not
decline. 1t would be foreign to his
character to selfishly prefer his own
ease rather than comply with the
wishes Of his party and his old polit-
cal friends in matter 80 vital to
their interests. No instance can be
cited where any patriot ever did such
a thing. Party necessity and the
public good require his services"
"On what particular grounds
would you make the contest2"
IF my Judgment or wish is con-
suited | would have the party 70 |
back to the bed rock of Democracy
the Democratic principles IN govern
ment, and square every issue and
every proposition by that. When
parties first divided after the revo- |
luton one party represented the |
aristecratic and monarchical ideas in |
yovernment-the government of the |
masses by the classes, a centralized |
government, large army. life tenure
in office. The English Government |
was their model. The other party |
represented the democratic princi-
pie in government-individual lib
erty, obedience to the majority, home
rule, confidence in the masses for
Ielf government, economy in public
expenditure, frequent changes in of
ice to purify the public service, the
greatest good to the greatest number,
equality before the law to seek or be |
Ielected for official position, a gov
,rnment of limited powers and a
trict construction of the constitu-
ion.
these two principles or theories
# government are as broadly marked
~